Page 77 of Falling for Mr. Billionaire

“Yeah,” I grin, “but I think you aged for both of you. You look twice her age.”

He laughs and walks out of the room, shaking his head.

That’s his way of saying; Let’s move on now. And I will once he does his part.

Because I still believe in second chances. I just hope Ivy gives me one, too.

A few days later, legal brings in Jeremy and his attorney first since they initiated the suit. I stay out of the room to keep the energy from going sideways. Last time we crossed paths, it didn’t end well.

But as he’s leaving, Jeremy catches sight of me.

He pauses, then motions me over.

“Hey man,” I say, stepping closer. “I just want to say… I’m truly sorry for what happened to you all those years ago. It was fucked up, and I wish like hell it had gone differently. I know we can’t change the past or give you your leg back, but I hope this helps you stay healthy, build the life you deserve, and take care of the people you love.”

“You’re a good man, Carter,” he says. “Your dad explained everything. I didn’t know you were the guy my sister was all googly-eyed over on vacation.”

I chuckle. “We didn’t plan it.”

“I know.” He nods. “She’s been in a rut. Not herself lately. But if you’re serious about making this right… maybe it’s time she had a reason to smile again.”

He reaches into his pocket and hands me a folded slip of paper.

“What’s this?”

“Vanessa’s number. Ivy’s best friend. If you really want to reach her, that’s your best shot.”

I raise an eyebrow. “You had this written out already?”

“Yeah.” He shrugs. “Vanessa filled me in when the legal team called about the settlement. She’s good people. Fierce. If anyone can talk Ivy down, it’s her.”

I look at the paper. It feels like a key to something I thought I’d already lost.

He claps me on the back. “Hey, man. And what are you doing here? You’re giving us twice what we asked for. I don’t think I could spend this much money in three lifetimes.”

“Maybe save some for your kids?” I offer.

He grins. “Not a bad idea.” Then he leans in, voice low. “I’m going to propose tomorrow. Now that I’m a multimillionaire and all. And we’ve got a new house coming. No more wasting money on rent.”

“Congratulations,” I say, genuinely happy for him. “I’d better get an invite.”

He laughs and turns to leave. But before he does, he pauses—just for a second—and takes a deep breath, like a weight’s finally been lifted from his chest.

I watch him walk away, and I feel it too.

That strange lightness.

I pull out my phone and shoot my dad a quick text:You’re a good man, Dad.

He replies instantly:I’m just a man. But I have a good son.

I stare at that for a long second before dialing the number Jeremy gave me.

Vanessa answers on the second ring.

“Hi, this is Vanessa.”

“Hey. It’s Carter.”

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